Thursday, January 1, 2009

I'm talking about the Philadelphia Mummers Parade. Word is the majority of the Queens dressed up in, for instance, the Fairy Brigade are straight blue-collar family men.

Uh-huh. Just keep telling yourselves that fellas. The sheer number of sequins, feathers and tight choreography speaks for itself.

But I'm not judging. I love my gays. In the closet or not.

Some of the earliest Mummers date back to early Egypt, pagan Rome and Greece, England, Germany, and France. The tradition of Philadelphia Mummery started in the late 17th century as a continuation of the Old World customs of ushering in the New Year. Mummery in America is as unique to Philadelphia as Mardi Gras is to New Orleans. However, the parade has fallen on hard times in this economy, what with Captains' costumes costing as much as $10,000. After many tears and hysterics by Mummers leaders, the city of Philadelphia is continuing to sponsor the parade, though in a smaller way than in years past. The Parade is divided into four categories: Comics, Fancies, String Bands and Fancy Brigades. It's superduperstraightabulous!

Stay tuned for Delaware's version of the Mummers Parade, the "Hummers Parade," a ragtag pickup parade held in Middletown, DE which parodies news and events of the year. Brought to you by your Roving Reporter, Hello Gorgeous.